Giving reptiles a fresh start in life...
Fresh Start Rescue Inc is a registered 501c3 reptile rescue located in coastal North Carolina. We consist of a group of volunteers who are passionate about saving the lives of homeless, unwanted, or injured reptiles. We foster, rehab, and rehome every type of reptile out there, from snakes to lizards and everything in between.
Who Are We…
Founded in 2017, the story of Fresh Start Rescue Inc didn’t start there. It all started many years prior with a green iguana named Shamus. He was up for adoption with another rescue, marked special needs… and it was love at first sight. For years, we worked under that rescue and Shamus got to see us rescue and rehome many other iguanas. Fresh Start Rescue Inc was officially formed in 2017 when the other rescue closed and left a huge need in the local area. Unfortunately, only a few months after we started our rescue, we had to say goodbye to our precious Shamus. Now every thing we do is in his honor.
What We Do…
Fresh Start Rescue Inc takes in unwanted and abandoned pet reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Our main mission is to ensure these animals are healthy and find them their new forever homes. We also believe that education is the key to ensuring these animals never need a rescue. We offer classes for all ages and groups, along with birthday parties and summer camps. You will also see our large walk-through reptile exhibit out at local festivals where you can visit with our ambassadors, learn about them, interact with them, and support our work.
What We Don’t Do…
Fresh Start Rescue Inc does not take in injured wildlife. There are a number of amazing wildlife rehabbers available in North Carolina and you can find them all listed with NC Wildlife Commission. We also do not work with any type of bird, fish, or mammal.
At this time, we’re no longer to able to take in any species of aquatic turtle.
Our Team
Nicole Spencer is our founder, president, and large lizard specialist. She spends much of her time spoiling all of our iguanas and large lizard species. She wears many hats to keep this rescue running on a daily basis. Nicole is also our educator and runs all of our birthday parties, summer camps, and other educational programs.
Founder and Educator
Large Lizards
Nicole Spencer
Mike is our co-founder and is mostly behind the scenes these days due to his work schedule. He spends his time at the rescue crafting gourmet salads for our herbivore and omnivore residents, keeping up the facility grounds, and helping with online marketing.
Co-Founder
Snakes and lizards
Michael Spencer
Amanda is our Jacksonville volunteer. She has a love of all animals and is always ready to help. She helps with much of our administrative work behind the scenes. Amanda can be found helping at many of our community events as well.
Board Treasurer
Bearded Dragons
Amanda Scott
Social Media Specialist
Snakes and Invertebrates
Raven Kingrey
Raven has a natural love and compassion for our scaly friends. She went from one adopted snake to taking in several! Raven takes care of many of our social media accounts.
Alex has been with us a while and has gotten more involved as her schedule allows. She is our board secretary and has the daunting job of keeping us organized! She is now also a big-time realtor, so if you need a house with a reptile room, we have you covered!
Board Secretary
Small Lizards
Alex Gillen
Braeden comes to us as a firefighter and Paramedic with a love of snakes. He took herpetology classes in college and has a passion for venomous snakes and envenomation treatment. Braeden takes care of many of our protocols and safety trainings.
Medical Specialist
Snakes and Invertebrates
Braeden Kelley
Ryan comes to us with a ton of reptile experience. He jumped right in and became an integral part of our team at events and at the rescue. As a skilled electrician, he also makes sure our facility can safely handle the massive power requirements of over 100 reptiles.
Electrical Specialist
Snakes and Geckos
Ryan Carter
Beth has lots of exotic animal experience from working at the NC Zoo. These days, she has the zoo at her house instead! The whole family volunteers, and they have become a huge asset to our organization. Beth also helps coordinate and work fundraising events.
Fundraising Coordinator
Geckos and Amphibians
Beth Steinberg
Become A Volunteer
If you'd like to help us at educational shows or with taking care of the animals, please fill out the application below. We could use all the help we can get!
We are located out near Wallace, NC and do ask for at least one shift per month.
